TRIBUTES have been pouring in for the “born performer and devoted family man” Renato Pagliari who died after losing his five-month battle with a brain tumour.

Renato, of Renée and Renato fame, had a 1980s number one hit with Save Your Love. He died last week at Good Hope Hospital after suffering complications from surgery.

The 55-year-old from Sutton Coldfield was diagnosed with the tumour in February.

The Rome-born grandad of three young boys also leaves behind a son, daughter and widow, Maureen.

Remo, Renato’s 33-year-old son, who also lives in Sutton Coldfield, said: “My dad was just one of those people that everybody loved.

“He had two great passions, his family and performing. He was a born performer and a devoted family man. He lived for his grandchildren and he looked after all of us.

“Even in the hospital he was singing to the other patients in the ward. He was happiest when he was performing and when the grandchildren were around him.

“He worked on the cruise ships but for the last seven years he would sing at my restaurant in Tamworth. The atmosphere used to be amazing.

“He was never happier than when he was up on stage. He was such a strong character and he fought and fought against the brain tumour, but in the end it beat him. He had so many friends and admirers and we are expecting lots of them at the funeral next week.”

Former Villa manager, Ron Atkinson, who was a close friend of Renato, described him today as “one of the nicest guys” he had ever met.

He added: “I loved the fella, he was brilliant.

“He was one of the nicest guys I have met in my life. He was very nice with people and I brought him into the changing rooms on numerous occasions to sing to the players.

“He was good natured, great to be with and we had some great wind-ups with each other on the golf course.”

One tribute, which has been left by Sue and Harry on a memorial website set up for Renato, said: “I will never forget the moment when I stood on stage with Renato and sang Save Your Love. We have been friends for many years and it was a very special time for all of us.

“We will never forget Renato for his most magic voice and special personality.”

Renato had the number one hit with Save Your Love at Christmas 1982.

He also recorded Just One Cornetto, used by Walls for its series of commercials spanning ten years.

He rose to fame as the winner of the TV talent show New Faces. The hit record changed the waiter’s life and he and singing partner Hilary Lester (Renée) toured for four years before Renato embarked on a career singing on cruise ships.

In latter years he sang to diners at his son’s Italian restaurant, Renato’s, in Tamworth.

Save Your Love remains his greatest triumph and has been covered by Daniel O’Donnell and Mary Duff.

Renato’s funeral will be held at 11am on Monday at Sutton Coldfield’s Holy Trinity Catholic Church, on Lichfield Road.